meanwhile, in new york, the president surveyed the damage from hurricane sandy. of course, which was everybody knows, precipitated by climate change. he met storm victims in staten island, one of the areas hardest hit by the storm. 23 of the 43 deaths in the new york region related to hurricane sandy. they were on staten island. >> obama: during difficult times like this, we're reminded that we're bound together and we have to look out for each other and a lot of the things that seem important, the petty differences melt away and we focus on what binds us together and that we, as americans, are going to stand with each other in their hour of need. >> jennifer: in fact, there is new political coalitions emerging following the storm. leaders like governor andrew cuomo of new york, new york city mayor michael bloomberg have both called for federal action on climate change to deal with increasingly disastrous weather events. yesterday, the president weighed in as well saying that while he believes climate change is real and human made, he said taking action will requ